Teach Your Dog Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come

Training your dog to sit, stay, and come builds everyday manners and real-world safety—especially in Canada, where icy sidewalks, off-leash areas, and wildlife can turn a small mistake into a big problem. The good news: you can make fast progress with short, consistent sessions and the right rewards.

Training basics: use pea-sized treats (or kibble), a calm voice, and 3–5 minute sessions, 2–3 times daily. End on a win. If your dog struggles, reduce distractions and increase distance gradually.

How to Teach Sit (Fast and Clean)

Sit is your “default polite” behaviour—great for greetings, doorways, and crossing streets.

Hold a treat at your dog’s nose, then slowly lift it up and slightly back.
The moment their bum hits the floor, say “Yes!” (or click) and reward.
Add the cue “Sit” only after they’re reliably offering the movement.
Practice in different rooms, then outdoors—start in quiet spots before busy parks.

Stay + Come: The Safety Pair

Stay prevents dashing, while come is your emergency recall. Teach both like a Canadian winter coat: layer up gradually.

Stay: Ask for sit. Show an open palm, say “Stay,” take one step back, pause one second, return, reward. Increase time, then distance, then distractions (one at a time).
Release word: Use “OK” or “Free” so your dog learns staying is a job with an end.
Come (indoors first): Say “Come” once, then move backward and reward when they reach you. Make coming to you always pay.
Use a long line outside: In parks or cottage areas, practice on a 5–10 m long leash for safety and control.
Avoid poison cues: Don’t call “Come” for nail trims or to end all fun—go get your dog instead.

With consistent practice, these three cues become reliable tools you can use daily. Keep sessions short, rewards high-value, and progress gradual—your dog will learn faster, and you’ll feel more confident everywhere you go.